Fla. Senate bans Internet cafes, sends bill to Gov. Scott

Internet cafes in Florida could soon be out of business under a bill that is now heading to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott.

The Florida Senate on Thursday approved by a 36-4 vote a measure that would ban the storefront operations.

Some legislators opposed the bill because they said it went too far and would result in the closure of senior arcades.

The Legislature is feeling pressure to act after an investigation into the Allied Veterans of the World charity. It was accused of running a $290 million illegal gambling business that directed most of the proceeds into its owners' pockets Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, said legislators were responding to what he called "mass hysteria" that surrounded the federal investigation of Allied.

Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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